"My Main Man"
Current mood: amused

Oh, a rare update on something I can actually show off in here! Yes Ive been kept away quietly working on a number of projects lately and I get the rare opportunity now to throw something up here.

My pencils and inks with digital coloring by Leilani Hickerson.  Its only the first collaborative piece by me and the fine artist turned digital pro overnight.  I think she's got an early handle on the process for this type of media. Its been kind of like the fun experiment gone terribly well. Thats Leilani next to Lobo by the way. She's working on more digital stuff like this and if youre enjoying it every bit as I am, just be happy to know this was just us fooling around! lol.  Link to Leilani's page on myspace Leilani Hickerson

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The Ny Comic Con Friday Feb. 23 - 25th
Current mood: working
Category: Art and Photography

Heads up buddy,

The Ny Comic Con is just round the corner and I know a lot of you will be there. Just to let everyone know, I will make a few appearences at the event especially on Friday the 23rd at the Dark Horse Booth between 6 & 7pm. The main ArchEnemies gang Drew Melbourne, myself and Joe Rubinstien will all be present to sign for the hour so stop by and say hello. And on Sunday the 25th, I appear at the NYCC's panels that day joining the "Looking back at the Valiant Universe" presentation. The panel starts at 12:00 pm in rm 1E04.

Dont forget to visit the show's main ingredient of course, Artist Alley, thats where it all starts. You can find me there on the floor Saturday and Sunday paired with my fellow ArchVetInker Joe Rubinstien.


-- Yvel Guichet

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A WALK ON MONS OLYMPUS HAS BEGUN
Current mood: content

 The comic page itself is now up on Modern Tales and its right here.

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Figures 101: Cool comicbook hero poses 3
Current mood: working
Category: Art and Photography

This weeks update for my Figures 101 series blogs include none other than X-MEN'S WOLVERINE.

Recap: This is a job I took in the spring and rapidly finished for a software company who does pc games which allow players to customize thier own unique comic with a predesigned art and story, this one happens to be for XMEN. I eventually went on to draw 6 different characters and over 120 poses to add to the game including Magneto, Phoenix, Wolverine, Sabretooth, Angel and Storm.

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A Walk On Mons Olympus Preview
Current mood: good
Category: Art and Photography

Get Your Own! | View Slideshow

The shows not over folks, theres more to come. Ill collect all of the non dialogued pages for AWOMO and post them here in my blog as well as announce the official link to the comic site itself.

Soir,
Yvel

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I was interviewd by Lop magazine
Category: Jobs, Work, Careers

1.)     Yvel, what made you want to get into the comic book world? 

The long and short of it goes like this: I studied, played and doodled myself into my teen years as a young grooming fine artist but I always found myself at a young age drifting towards the very rich fun and inviting world of comics. It would encapsulate all styles of full color imaginative story and artwork you can imagine and never seem to find elsewhere. Never plagued with the same creative restrictions put on tv and film. As a budding artist, comics (was) just one of the many mediums that strove me to top myself. Eventually drawing the muscle guy and gal of the day became a big hobby such that I was puttin' down miniature panel pages and pinups alongside my regular fine art painting and color drawings. I carried this into High School, I figured I had some real talent if to be compared to most other kids I saw but I still took the art and studio classes, although there was really no place for comic book art.  I had no academic need to ace another art class year after year but I took them all with the idea there's always a chance to learn something I haven't seen or learned and apply it to say comic art. I got enough people who looked to me for ideas and direction a lot and that did help validate what I did in school but I pushed the other way for the sake of my comic art.  Then it hit me, I was drawing and painting a lot for class, Im learning some new things along the way but anything comic book related was continuing to fall down the wayside. In junior I was around more talented students who would relate to the love of comics and the art but not here. This self-taught hobby in comic creativity seemed the most fulfilling to me yet there was no way to learn except if I taught myself. So, I taught myself. There were those with less talent getting paid for it professionally why wouldn't I seriously try and get a foothold somewhere? But I was still missing something.  4 high school years pass and next thing I know Im one year into semesters at Pratt Institute and more confidence is apparent in the amateurish comic art portfolio Ive only shown to admission and friends up to this point.  The only thing on my mind was whether I was ever going to be in the right place when I needed to be for something to happen. Lo and behold I already was, basically right off the streets I walked into Valiant Comics' studio's one day after class with a friend I knew who interned there and got interviewed by a couple of big comic chiefs (Jim Shooter & Bob Layton) who said I should have a spot. I got what I needed and wanted so bad got in so quickly I had to find a way to relax. Getting in is a thrill but to challenge myself as a pro would be everything.

2.) What has been your fav. title that you have worked on to date?

That now has to be ArchEnemies. A close second would be the One-Shot I did with DC, Batman: Harley Quinn. I had a lot of fun doing Valiant books too. I feel I was meant to draw these books and with each I found many personal successes in and around the art.

3.) Do you have a charactor in the existing comic book world that you would like to work on?

Batman.

4.) Everytime I speak to you it seems you are always on a deadline. Do you think that effects your work in anyway? 

Yes, in a good way mostly. When I'm on the gun fresher ideas pop and I have less time to over think in a situation. You're on the bubble and you need a way to design the basic flow and composition of a page, design a new character or two, and come up with the fastest way to draw the human anatomy without coughing, you would be surprised what your mind can come up with when you're pressed for time.

5.) You are working on a title right now called Arch Enemeis. Can you tell me about how you got to working with this title? Also can you tell me about the comic.

Archenemies has a sort of dark, action comedy with a lot of upside. It gives readers the sensation that this could be you or someone you know. It sparks something that went on in your own mind and thoughts while you were rooming with someone you didn't think should ever be around once you in invite your guests over. When you turn the coin there's a whole other side housing deception, drama, finger-pointing, anger, plotting, dying, killing, masterminding, and a whole lot of laughs. You take your common everyday Hero and Villain comic and give them somewhat regular jobs, a family, relationship problems and a lease to share an apartment with the worlds worst roommate who happens to be your alter ego's archenemy by the way, you have something to run down the street with glee and boast about what you just read.

6.) Do you work on any other different style of art besides comic art? If so what?

Yes. Like I mentioned before I came up as a fine art student. When I went to art school I studied Illustration and communications art. Aside from graphic arts which Im teachng myself now, I know watercolor methods, drybrushing: a method used for sculpts and models, some pen and ink, and use everything from charcoal, conte to acrylics, oils and airbrush. Ive studied typography but I haven't much time or use for that skill.

7.) Who are the people that inspire you?

 In the comic book realm, of course in no particular order, John Romita Jr, Neal Adams, Frank Miller, Bernie Wrightson, Walter Simonson, Barry Winsor Smith, Frank Frazzetta, Jim Lee, Kelly Jones, Alan Davis, Joe Quesada, Howard Chaykin, John Byrne, Bart Sears, Arthur Adams, Adam Hughes, Mike Mignola, Jason Pearson. I inspire myself by keeping an open mind to a lot of things I see. I have an eclectic taste so I put little stock to one single thing or person as a source of inspiration, I like a lot of different things, views, its all about seeing life, its just teeming with little experiences for those who stop to look.

8.) What is the hardest thing about being a comic artist?

Why Im sure if I was asked that question every 2 years Im sure my answer would be different. I thought it was loss of time or sleep. Waking up certain days to find you don't find your groove till night or you get a complete block. Wish I had powers to work outside of our time line, come back and have plenty of free time to spend. Personally the hardest thing to do now is actually working and having a newborn at home and have my office there. I think if you can't be both a father and continue with a career like this one, I don't blame you. This isn't for everyone.  There are always other trials and hurdles to cross trying to maintain your freelance but unlike most careers one of the hardest things at the onset is paving your way to the next gig while planning to have one ready after that.

9.) Tell me the process you go through to create the art for a comic like Arch Enemies. ( this questions is more of a "in the day and life of Yvel" type of question) 

On days when Im on the gun and have a tight schedule, I wake, have a 30 minute to an hour workout, shower, grab a bite (mind you I rarely have to leave the house for this!) and be ready by 1-2 pm. The workouts happen if im not already too tired from lack of sleep. Theres no time for anything else so I grab some hot chocolate, skim through the paper and head into the office to work for the next 5-6 hours. All bets are off by 7pm (you gotta have some family time) and I may not go back to work until 11-12 pm. Here is where Ive got the most hours ahead to do my best work. Its quiet and no interruptions to slow me down. I might have some inspiring music, tv, or a movie playing on the widescreen monitor next to my desk. Not stopping there but I make sure there's inspiration on all corners of the office including the walls, tables, shelves, and window sill.  I never get bored. I probably start winding down by 5 am but I can find a second kick if need be so Ill see the hours go past 8 am sometimes. I don't go to sleep if Im turning in something that day especially if Im running late I need time to scan everything. So under this routine you might get as little as 4 to 0 valuable hours of sleep daily. With a little one in the house this once very strict routine gets all messed up.

10.) Any Big Plans after Arch Enemies ends it's mini series? 

??? Ill have to make some real archenemies is what, that is if there's no more ArchEnemies to draw. Archenemies I don't expect an end to so soon. Were working on making the series bigger if not better. We also would like to see the buzz around the movie help kick up more steam and help keep it around a few years. AE is an original that's easy to hook but we want more of you exposed to the experience. We have the all the support you would need to play out the story arcs and develop the characters the way they were intended which is why you'd want to keep the interest around it for a while. Every plan is a big plan, man.

11.) Any words to live by for other young artist out there?

Sure, Most of what I mentioned about myself was about having the drive and confidence to make it and being true to your goal. But you don't do anything in this business without a little bit of patience and discipline. Cutting down on many of the fun activities of your week doesn't seem like the best advice if that's what's needed too add balance to all the time you're not going to have once you finally set foot in the business.  Im not going to bother you guys with that. Ill point out though, Im sure you remember what happened last time you waited last minute or stopped to catch up that week you thought you'd stop procrastinating and get an assignment done? Well those type of hard working times are equal to a day in the life of a working comics artist. You better be ready to pull some hair.

Thanks Yvel, looking forward to hear from you soon,

 Hatch

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Figures 101: Cool comicbook hero poses 2
Current mood: creative
Category: Art and Photography

This weeks update for my Figures 101 series blogs include none other than the ferocious X-men nemesis SABRETOOTH.

Recap: This is a job I took in the spring and rapidly finished for a software company who does pc games which allow players to customize thier own unique comic with a predesigned art and story, this one happens to be for XMEN. I eventually went on to draw 6 different characters and over 120 poses to add to the game including Magneto, Phoenix, Wolverine, Sabretooth, Angel and Storm. I present to you all of  Sabretooth's layouts each unique and inspiring postured differently 12 times, lots of fun. Sorry I cant give any updates on this game as there arent any yet.

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Ionic week
Category: Art and Photography

 Welcome back. This was tough week for assignments on Ion #8 because every week prior was the same so it got tougher the longer I continue the routine. When you feel you've got it in the bag at this point all you can rest your eye on is a quick end. The end may be the most boring or fulfilling part. That's not such an unusual thought for most us comic artists but try some extra multitasking day to day with this job and tell me how much boredom or enthusiasm you found in between it all.

I have been back with DC comics for a little while now and it seems it never fails me and their deadlines are once again closer enemies. This month I have been penciling Ion (Green Lantern) #8 while straddling bibs and baby bottles yet again. No, I don't jess, we, the baby and I, have been a fantastic team, inseparable, artistic, yawn... and always hungry. As I speak the job remains with just four pages consisting of puke, multiple diaper changes and baby lotion applications, at least when Mommy's not home. Its a helpful combination of duties you'll to want to stray from even if we still manage to find a way to get all of these things done, just like today.

  While I continue with my career at home and babysitting, if you're a parent too I certainly recommend a similar team up with your job and your children once in a while, for it reminds our bosses why we are hardest working, sacrificing, bent over servants of their needs.

Stay tuned for the Ion art Update.

Soir,

YG

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FIRST ARCHENEMIES COMICBOOK ART AUCTION UP!
Category: Art and Photography

10-22-06 Half Blog: FINALLY! AUCTION, AUCTION!

 This is to let everyone know Ive gone and done it. ARCHENEMIES fans at myspace and yahoo users everywhere finally get the first chance to bid, buy and obtain for the first time ever, original ARCHENEMIES Artwork curtousy of yahoo auctions. Anyone not a myspace buddy is welcome to bid but all must be signed up with yahoo to do so. You get the art autographed, carefully packaged and sent to you directly from me notwithstanding any other arrangements. Fan, collecters, you should realize that the pages you want may only become harder to obtain, there are less than 50 pages in my possession to go around from issues 1 and 3 only. And lest anyone forgets the high possibility of the art itself being displayed in the announced 2008 AE film and its dvd thereafter, making everything about the comic series preceding it that more desireable.

 Yvel Guichet

My ComicBook Art Auctions

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Figures 101: Cool comicbook hero poses 1
Current mood: content
Category: Art and Photography

Something other than those cramped up story panels to enjoy again.  This is a job I took in the spring and rapidly finished for a software company who does pc games which allow players to customize thier own unique comic with a predesigned art and story, this one happens to be for XMEN. I eventually went on to draw 6 different characters and over 120 poses to add to the game including Magneto, Phoenix, Wolverine, Sabretooth, Angel and Storm. I present to you all of  STORM's layouts each unique and inspiring postured differently 33 times, lots of fun. Sorry I cant give any updates on this game as there arent any yet.

 

 

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Updated VOODOO art and 1st Blog!
Current mood: busy
Category: Art and Photography

Morning!

 This being my first of possibly a weekly blog Id like to set up something you can actually see and enjoy. If this your a first look into the man behind all the art, it aint much of a change. Ive left you without a chance to read anything in the other sections about myself right away due to a lack of time and devotion to it. By doing so Id be giving away information whos contents probably no one would truely care to look twice at except for a certain someone named Trish Darrow. She's the blogger with the blue "wig" on here who I know wants nothing to do with crediting me for all of her special "behind the scenes" photoshoots.

Onto this week's subject then. The Voodoo was originally posted on my photos page but the new inked version has now been pasted to the bottom of my front page ever since I got the scan. I have to thank Joe for sending the scan to me, usually these things go back to the client and stay far off of my radar. I finished the drawing many months ago but it was a commission Joe picked up. Joe and I tend to get many commissions on the side and we end up working on them together so this was no different. So when I was all done and happy with it, I scanned it and forgot I left it tucked away, far away, onto an external drive that kept it protected from the full system crash* I endured last year. 

So what does Joe do with my VooDoo? my VooDoo, geez. If I may say, think its was a fantastic choice. The blacks pop where they should and the washes help wake up the tone and contrast throughout. If you ask me it looks like he did a cropped down repro here so the original might still be untouched. If its not, I didnt ask, I wasnt sure what he was going to do about that heavy oh so sensual body shading I dropped in there but I think he worked it out. Im getting ideas for something else, If I do, itll be posted up here for sure.

Enjoy,

'SOiR,

and Peace,

YG

Crash: (krsh) v. crashed, crash·ing, crash·es a. To break violently or noisily; smash. b. To undergo sudden damage or destruction/Or, a perfect way to destroy precious saved work and files when not all backed up onto a separate drive. Amongst the loss of my own precious, precious artwork scans, I ended up loosing a little story I began writing on the pc. I dont write many of these, thats why its such  a sore. The thing was potentially a good a graphic novel story that I would continue to write on my free time. It was one of those things you wrote down fast because you experienced it in a vivid nightmare or a weird dream and it compelled you to tell your friends about it, then try to relive it through an actual medium such as, well, comics.  I was kicking myself in the head, not that I thought doing so would help me remember what Id written down, but that I remember I just gave the same damn advice about backing up files to someone else months prior. Take note this is for all creators of pulp and imagery out there... procure those extra hard drives and photocopy machines!

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